The Guardians talked to their guest, a human who called himself Crutch. He bore with the unsubtle probing with fairly good grace and, after medical examination, was allowed out of quarantine. The Guardians had a meeting to discuss strategy, then left to attend to their duties. During the meeting, WL noticed unusual behaviour from Entropy, and repeated it to Desist. After a visual examination, Desist ordered Entropy to sickbay.
Crocodile joined the Doctor in examing Entropy. Entropy had a new disease, a terran-alien hybrid that was quite likely contagious. Quarantine regulations were put into place for the rest of the crew. Quiasar and SK worked out a list of tests and precautions to find the breakout point and prevent further spread. Crocodile worked on detection while the Doctor concentrated on finding a cure. After confirming that he was infected, Crocodile had the healthy Quiasar, suitably dressed in outbreak garb, test others with the analyser. Quiasar brought back the results, showing that Sindar and SK were also infected. Sindar, Crocodile, and the Doctor formed a telepathic conference to pool their data on the disease. It was cut short as Sindar sucumbed to the sickness, but both Crocodile and the doctor gained knowledge from the joining.
Entropy and SK seemed to be the hardest hit by the plague, called hybrid-terrodesistis. Though SK had used Excalibur to treat his symptoms, Crocodile felt something more was necessary, including possible stasis until a cure could be found. Unwilling to go into cold sleep, SK devised an elaborate plan to use his vibration powers in conjuction with a filter and electric charge, to screen the virus from his cells. Crocodile and Crutch aided him in preparation. The scheme proved successful, curing SK. Encouraged, SK attempted to use his powers and plan on Entropy. Unfortunately, the method proved to be specific to SK, and the shock of forced vibration killed the weakened Entropy.
Recussition methods began instantly. Crutch thought about how to use his life bringing powers. Crocodile planned out an improvised shock therapy, using live electical cables. Quiasar topped them all with his ACME compact mini-hospital kit (includes three nurses). He restarted Entropy's heart, and Entropy was moved into intensive care in the lab. Desist developed a treatment within the hour, leading to a permanent cure. Entropy, however, was permanently damaged by the ordeal. Subsequent tests showed him to be chemically altered, losing his paranormal skin protection. Furthermore, his cells showed the onset of DCD, the degenerative clone disease, a fatal affliction with no cure.
Followup and Conclusions: Protocols were developed to protect us from further problems. Sterilization, monitoring of problem points, and decontamination procedures were instituted. It is unlikely that such a disaster would occur again. Fortunately, no other attacks or problems occured while the Guardians were afflicted. All in all, the situation was resolved satisfactorily. The only exception was Entropy. The disease had far reaching effects that will kill him before the Guardians reach earth. There is no known cure, and he grows weaker each month. In the meantime, the loss of his defensive abilities limit his usefulness in field work. Back to topThe immediate goal of the Guardians was to reach a Gorene space station, where updated information on earth could be found. While enroute, Desist received a mental message from a race called the Sikan, which threatened the Guardians with destruction if they allied themselves with the Gorenes. Desist summoned the Guardians to a conference, where they debated their options. Crocodile suggested avoiding the space station entirely. Quiasar and Entropy wanted to move on cautiously, warn the Gorenes, get updated information, and leave. This was the eventual concensus.
The Odyssey reached the station without incident. Careful examination of the station revealed no signs of conflict. An automatic beacon was in operation. The Guardians ran it through the translator and learned the the station was under quarantine. The Guardians debated on a course of action, finally deciding to leave it up to HIM WHO KNOWS. Desist asked the cosmos whether the station was compromised. The cosmos said yes. The Guardians decided to help. They contacted the base and talked to the manager. The manager seemed friendly enough. They shared information about the Sikan and the disease on the station. Desist obtained the specs on the sickness and started to study them.
Shadow Knight used his darkness to study the station. A few unusual blips appeared in a large area that seemed to be a shuttle bay or warehouse. SK located a good area for Crutch to teleport into. Crutch teleported onto the station and very cautiously investigated. He found little activity and no signs of invasion and returned. Finally, several Guardians went aboard. Desist went to the sickbay, along with Quiasar. Crocodile continued his research, while White Leopard and Sindar guarded the ship. Entropy and Crutch went into the main station. Crutch was able to make friends with an old freighter captain and obtain information about the Sikan and the system.
Shadow Knight, after persistently searching the cargo area, was convinced that something was out there. He asked the station manager about the room and was told it was empty. Shadow Knight shared his suspicions and the manager agreed to investigate. The Guardians went with him to the storage area, where two armed security personnel were checking the entrance. They had a "cat", a large reptillian creature that refused to enter the hold, instead breaking free and running. Alarmed, the Gorenes prepared to go in. The Guardians were more cautious, but were assured that the station computer would monitor there progress and take steps if necessary.
The cargo hold was large, only partially filled, and hard to search. The group split up, but kept in close contact. While approaching a load of groft wood, the party was attacked by the parasites. The parasites had remarkable chameleon powers, and a viscious sting. Crutch, Entropy, and the security guards were all hit hard. Overall, however, the parasites were no match for their humanoid attackers and swiftly fell. The party departed as the Gorenes prepared for a thorough sterilization and investigation. Desist and the Gorene medical personnel examined the disease patients for bite marks and found evidence of parasitical attack. With that knowledge, a cure was soon found and the crisis ended.
Followup and conclusions: The Guardians did very well here. They approached the situation carefully and calmly. Everyone worked together efficiently and smoothly to find the truth and help out. The Gorenes were very appreciative. We gained weapons, water, knowledge, and concessions in return for our aid. No one Guardian stood out above the rest, so no MVG can be awarded.